The two-day Universities Australia Higher Education Conference brings together a stellar line-up of Australian and global speakers to discuss the role of universities in Australia’s future prosperity.
This year’s theme, Higher Education: Gen Next, will focus on how universities can prepare the next generation of students, graduates and researchers.
The line-up of renowned speakers includes:
- Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich, former US Ambassador to Australia
- Senator Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training
- Ms Tanya Plibersek, Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Education
- Mr Antoine van Agtmael and Mr Fred Bakker, authors of The Smartest Places on Earth: Why Rustbelts are Emerging Hotspots of Global Innovation
- Professor Bertil Andersson, President, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)
- Professor Hugh Bradlow, Telstra’s Chief Scientist
- Mr Simon McKeon, philanthropist and former Australian of the Year
- Ms Jan Owen, CEO, Foundation for Young Australians
- Dr Saraid Billiards, Head of Strategy & Engagement, Science in Australia Gender Equity
- Dr Chris Smith, managing editor, The Naked Scientists podcast
Chief Executive Belinda Robinson said the conference will look at the changing needs of students against a backdrop of profound economic, industrial and technological change.
“The fast-pace of the modern economy and of disruptive technology means the needs and expectations of the next generation of students are going to be different,” Ms Robinson said.
“This conference is designed with this in mind, by providing the latest thinking, strategies and expertise on how universities can meet this challenge head on.”
The conference is a windfall for the local economy with at least $500,000 to be injected into the ACT over the two days. More than 1 in 9 Canberrans work or study at a university, the highest engagement with universities of any Australian city.
The conference is on today and tomorrow at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.
Media are invited to register. Follow #UAConf2017 for updates on Twitter.
